If you ever have a chance to visit this battlefield please take time to do so. You actually get two for one credit on battlefield visits.

Was there in 50s - hard to believe so many died there!

I was there in 1986. Our unit was the 2nd Louisiana complete with , pelican buckles, shell jackets, white gaiters and white havelocks.

The fields that the event took place is about two miles from the site.

Manassas 125 - 1986

"Was there ever an event so vast and so hot as the 125th Anniversary reenactment of 1st Manassas? I was amazed by the level of involvement, participation and planning that went into it all -- being in it was actually like being a bit player in a much greater scheme of things. I suppose this was what a major Civil War battle seemed like to the individual soldier, so the impression I'm left with is probably an authentic one.

I made some observations during my three day stay at that dusty camp in Centreville. Here they are for what it's worth."
http://wesclark.com/jw/manassas_1986.html

He mentioned the Concorde flying over out of Dulles.. I too remember that happening... as well as the riderless horse running around the Henry House. That was one of our officer's horse. He had fallen off and broke his pelvis.. And yes, it was hotter than hell. I think the event had over 300 heat casualties.

July 20 1986 UPI Report.

Rabid Cougar said:

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I was there in 1986. Our unit was the 2nd Louisiana complete with , pelican buckles, shell jackets, white gaiters and white havelocks.

The fields that the event took place is about two miles from the site.

Manassas 125 - 1986

"Was there ever an event so vast and so hot as the 125th Anniversary reenactment of 1st Manassas? I was amazed by the level of involvement, participation and planning that went into it all -- being in it was actually like being a bit player in a much greater scheme of things. I suppose this was what a major Civil War battle seemed like to the individual soldier, so the impression I'm left with is probably an authentic one.

I made some observations during my three day stay at that dusty camp in Centreville. Here they are for what it's worth."
http://wesclark.com/jw/manassas_1986.html

He mentioned the Concorde flying over out of Dulles.. I too remember that happening... as well as the riderless horse running around the Henry House. That was one of our officer's horse. He had fallen off and broke his pelvis.. And yes, it was hotter than hell. I think the event had over 300 heat casualties.

July 20 1986 UPI Report.

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Enjoyed reading your account. Thanks for posting.

Dealing with the elements whether the fighting in the Pacific near the equator or winter fighting in Europe along with being outside for long stretches of time are things I think about quite often.

of course it's 1861 not 1961.

I hike those battlefields regularly. It's easier to park at the Second Manassas when you turn left off Sudley Springs than going into the main First Manassas parking lot which is always overfilled.

there is a trail from Second Manassas which goes to the North and then you can run across the highway and some fields and jump back onto the First Manassas Trails heading back to Henry House Hill.

I'm surprised no one mentioned this:

the owners at First Manassas moved away after the battle because of the war...

and ended up living in APPOMATTOX in 1865. how bizarre is that?

The book I am writing is on Third Winchester but I have hiked most of the trails around First and Second Manassas. Here are some pics:

I was there for the 145th Reenactment in 2006.